Effect of Particle Size Distribution on the Properties of Sand Mold by Three Dimensional Printing

In this study, three dimensional structures are fabricated by a self-developed three dimensional printing machine with eight different particle size distribution scrubbed silica sand. In order to evaluate particle size distribution effect on the properties of sand mold, the physical and mechanism properties of printed specimens, including weight, gas evolution, air permeability, tensile strength and compressive strength, were measured. The mechanism of effect was analyzed and studied. The results show that the printed specimens from the 80-140 mesh sand powder have the best comprehensive properties. Both wider and narrower particle size distribution adversely affects the properties of printed specimens.